Limpopo Faces Devastating Flooding: Rising Drowning Incidents and Bridge Damage

Limpopo province is grappling with the severe consequences of heavy rains and widespread flooding that have caused significant damage, including the collapse of bridges and a spike in drowning incidents.

The relentless downpours have led to overflowing rivers and collapsed low-water bridges, leaving thousands of residents cut off from essential services, including healthcare facilities and schools.

The situation has worsened with rising water levels, which have led to several drowning incidents, claiming lives and leaving others missing.

One of the most heartbreaking incidents involved 14-year-old Nkanelo Hlungwani, a Grade 7 learner from Ngove village. On January 11, Hlungwani and his friends attempted to cross the rising Ritavi River. While returning, one of the children was swept away by the strong current. The body was recovered after an intense search, and investigations are underway.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged parents to prevent children from playing near swollen rivers, warning that the current conditions are perilous.

In addition to the tragic loss of Hlungwani, two children drowned at Khaxani village under the Dzumeri Traditional Council on January 10. Another child, aged three, tragically drowned in an open toilet pit at Ndhambhi village on January 11, highlighting concerns over the safety of pit toilets, especially in public schools.

Greater Giyani municipality mayor Thandi Zitha has called for increased vigilance from parents as the rains continue to fall. “We must warn our children about the dangers of playing near water bodies,” she said, also urging the public to close open pits to prevent similar tragedies.

In Lesodi Motlana village, residents are worried about the Mokamole bridge, which has been affected by heavy rain and flooding. The bridge, which has been an ongoing concern, was being reconstructed but remains incomplete. Locals are fearful that children may attempt to swim in the rising waters, risking further fatalities.

Nearby villages, such as Makekeng, have been cut off from healthcare services at the Mokamole clinic due to flooded roads. In Nkgoru village, another bridge is under threat of collapse due to the rising water levels.

Additionally, flooding at the Kgole River in Galakwena village has caused the collapse of two bridges, leaving 28 villages stranded and unable to reach the town of Mokopane.

The situation remains dire, with the Limpopo MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Basikopo Makamu, urging residents to exercise caution as heavy rains continue. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously on low-level bridges and to reduce their speed on slippery roads to avoid accidents caused by strong currents.

As floodwaters continue to wreak havoc across Limpopo, the need for increased safety measures, proper infrastructure maintenance, and public awareness is more urgent than ever.